Jayden Bartels Stars in ‘Lullaby,’ the New Suspense Thriller Directed by MJ Bassett, Making Waves at Cannes Market

EXCLUSIVE:

Jayden Bartels, lead actor in the popular streaming show
Goosebumps: The Vanishing
has been cast as the lead actor in a suspense thriller directed by MJ Bassett.
Lullaby
, which is set to begin filming this autumn.

Bartels portrays Jessica, a teenage expectant mother who attempts to end her own life. However, she is saved by an isolated woman who cares for her until she recovers, all under the hidden intention of taking the baby and subsequently completing what she initially interrupted.

UK-based author, creator, and filmmaker Bassett (
Red Sonja
,
Reacher
) oversees direction based on a script co-authored by Tim Sullivan alongside Edward A. Romero and Chris Roe. Ken F. Levin handles the directing role here.
The Boys
,
Preacher
) at NightSky Productions is producing.  Bassett’s sword and sorcery movie
Red Sonja
Samuel Goldwyn Films will release it later this year.

After reading the script, I instantly resonated with Jessica,” stated Bartels. “This character both thrilled and frightened me since, much like Jessica, one often needs to confront their fears directly to truly find themselves. The uplifting narrative combined with MJ’s direction will undoubtedly resonate deeply with viewers well beyond the end of the movie.

Bassett suggests the story is reminiscent of Rob Reiner’s 1991 psychological horror thriller
Misery,
based on Stephen King’s similarly named book.

“She mentions being deeply engrossed by the intricate and subtle developments in the characters’ journeys.” It has echoes of
Misery
, but to me is more fascinating because of its conversation about motherhood and that compelling desire to nurture – and at times possess.”

Levin will be introducing the project to buyers to the Cannes Film Festival’s Marché du Film, under the banner of NightSky Productions.

We are incredibly thrilled to share
Lullaby
Buyers at Cannes were impressed,” stated Levin. “We have a scorching hot director, an extraordinarily gifted young lead actor, and a distinctive storyline that will frighten horror fans across different age groups.

The film is co-produced by Sullivan from New Rebellion Entertainment; Andy Schefter from Impossible Gardens; Bryan Patrick McCulhey from Untitled Waves Entertainment, and Chris Roe from Tea Time Productions.

Bartels plays the role of Cece in the second season of the popular Disney+ series.
Goosebumps
, drawing inspiration from R.L. Stine’s globally popular book series. Earlier, she was featured in
Side Hustle
, the Nickelodeon series created explicitly for her, along with numerous other accomplishments she has accumulated, which include
Group Conversation with Jayden & Brent
and
Alert: Missing Persons Unit
.

Bassett launched her career as part of the “new wave of British horror” in the early 2000s. She has directed numerous popular television series including
Reacher,
Strike Back
,
Ash Vs. Evil Dead
,
Equalizer
,
Terminal List
,
Altered Carbon
,
Power
,
Quantum Leap
And most recently “Fubar” featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Her acting roles also encompass
Deathwatch
,
Solomon Kane
,
Silent Hill: Revelation
, and upcoming release
Red Sonja
.

Seasoned producer Levin has been involved with all of these projects:
Hellboy
features film agreements; serving as an executive producer for all four seasons
Preacher
For AMC; managing the rights to the Steven Spielberg/Tom Hanks production.
Road to Perdition
, along with establishing and serving as an executive producer for
The Boys
He is presently working on a horror movie production.
Crossed
, adapted from Garth Ennis’ comic book series by him for the screen, with production scheduled to begin in June in Los Angeles.

Bartels is represented by CAA/Randy James Management/DDO Artists Agency; Levin by CAA, and Bassett by Ragina Nervik Management.